* China tested the world’s most powerful naval gun earlier this month and it’s expected to enter China’s arsenal by 2025, according to sources with direct knowledge of a U.S. intelligence report.* The warship-mounted electromagnetic railgun was first seen in 2011 and underwent testing in 2014.* The Chinese are expected to complete at-sea testing by 2023.

WASHINGTON — China tested the world’s most powerful naval gun earlier this month, and it is expected to be ready for warfare by 2025, according to people with direct knowledge of a U.S. intelligence report.

China’s railgun was first seen in 2011 and underwent testing in 2014, according to the people, who spoke to CNBC on the condition of anonymity.

Between 2015 and 2017, the weapon was calibrated to strike at extended ranges, increasing its lethality. By December 2017, the weapon was successfully mounted on a warship and began at-sea testing, a feat no other nation has accomplished. The Chinese are expected to complete at-sea testing by 2023.